OKAY Cannabis brings an unparalleled experience by merging Dispensary, Cannabis Consumption Lounge, and Bakery/Cocktail Bar in Chicago

Chicago, IL - OKAY Cannabis, a new cannabis dispensary, has unveiled a unique twist to the dispensary scene by offering a distinctive and welcoming experience to its customers in Chicago and its suburbs. OKAY Cannabis is set to provide customers with a one-of-a-kind experience in the state.

The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group, in partnership with social equity partners, will launch two more OKAY Cannabis locations in West Town and Evanston. The West Town Chicago location, opening during Memorial Day weekend, will have a consumption lounge for customers and guests to enjoy their recently purchased cannabis products from the dispensary. This innovative concept of merging a cannabis dispensary with a bakery and cocktail bar under one roof is intended to create a space where people can congregate, even if they are not there to purchase cannabis.

OKAY Cannabis has a distinctive ownership structure, with Charles Mayfield, a social equity owner of CESAM LLC and The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group, leading the dispensary. OKAY Cannabis is committed to providing opportunities for communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. The dispensary also works with a Chicago-based violence prevention organization to create employment, career, and wealth-building opportunities.

Scott Weiner, the co-founder of The Fifty/50 organization, stated that "By combining a real cannabis dispensary and bakery/cocktail bar under one roof, we hope to create a space where people can congregate regardless of whether they are there to purchase cannabis. We are the only dispensary in Illinois and one of the first dispensaries in the US with a liquor license."

OKAY Cannabis is bringing a new level of culinary expertise to the cannabis industry with the addition of The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group's Culinary Director & Executive Pastry Chef, Chris Teixeira. With his passion for creating innovative desserts using classic flavors, Teixeira will be introducing a new line of sandwiches, cookies, and more to the menu at OKAY Cannabis. His expertise in overseeing all culinary operations for The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group, including purchasing, menu development, training, and execution of all food programs, ensures that customers at OKAY Cannabis will be treated to exceptional food and sincere service.

"We are thrilled to offer a new and innovative concept to the cannabis industry in Illinois," said Scott Weiner, Founder & CEO of OKAY Cannabis. "Our goal is to provide a welcoming space where people can not only purchase quality cannabis products, but also enjoy delicious food and cocktails, and engage with their community."

Wheeling, IL - May 16, 2023- Okay Cannabis, a prominent cannabis dispensary located at 781 N. Milwaukee Ave., has received official permission from the village of Wheeling to establish the first recreational consumption lounge in Cook County. This landmark decision by the Wheeling Village board opens up new opportunities for cannabis enthusiasts in the area.

Fifty/50 Group President and co-founder, Scott Weiner, presented a comprehensive overview of the lounge's plans to the Wheeling village board, which resulted in unanimous approval for a special permit. Okay Cannabis, was established in early February and co-located with West Town Bakery Cafe & Lounge. 

During the deliberations, the village board also welcomed feedback from audience members, and opinions were divided. Two individuals expressed support for the proposal, with one highlighting his anticipation, along with his like-minded friends, of utilizing the space.

In accordance with the village's regulations, patrons of the proposed recreational consumption lounge will need to adhere to a set of rules prior to engaging in cannabis consumption. 

• Consistent with the entry regulations for dispensaries across Illinois, all patrons of the consumption lounge must be at least 21 years of age. This age requirement aligns with the state's legal framework for the consumption of cannabis.

• Within the lounge premises, only customers will be allowed to smoke. To enjoy cannabis in the lounge, customers must purchase it from Okay Cannabis on the same day as their reservation, as bringing cannabis from outside sources is not permitted. The consumption of edibles in any form will be strictly prohibited.

• Customers will be limited to using smoking devices such as pipes that are purchased from Okay Cannabis. Reservations for the consumption lounge will have a maximum duration of 90 minutes, followed by a 30-minute cool-down period where consumption is not allowed. Additionally, the consumption of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited within the lounge.

• To comply with the entry regulations for dispensaries in Illinois, all patrons of the consumption lounge must be at least 21 years old. This age requirement aligns with the state's legal framework for cannabis consumption.

The approval of the recreational consumption lounge by the Wheeling village board marks a significant milestone in the evolution of cannabis regulations within Cook County. Okay, Cannabis looks forward to providing a safe and inviting environment for cannabis enthusiasts to responsibly enjoy their chosen products. The lounge is expected to attract visitors from near and far, further enhancing Wheeling's reputation as a progressive and forward-thinking community.

About OKAY Cannabis: We are a cannabis-lifestyle dispensary for experienced & cannabis-curious people seeking to reset our states of mind, friendships, and notions of social equity. While offering curiously curated recreational THC products, OKAY experience stores engage our guests in a colorful wonderland that reframes the ordinary and rekindles our sense of wonder. For more information on OKAY Cannabis, please visit their website at www.okaycannabis.com.